Page 44 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“I mean it.”

“I’m so tired.”

“You want my coffee?”

A laugh bubbles up, brightening her beautiful face and making my night. “No no no, but thank you. I would be bouncing off the halls.”

“Walls.”

“Right.Walls.” She hands me Ralphie’s carrier and climbs in. As soon as her seatbelt is on, I rest the carrier on her lap and she hugs it close again. “I’m going to sleep in tomorrow. Amelia is opening up the shop. I may not even come in at all.”

I close the door, feeling her looming absence already hitting me as I walk around the front grill, heading for the driver’s side.

What does it matter, though? She’s getting married soon, and what can I do about it? Try to stop her? Declare my adoration for her and tell her, drop the rich guy and give me a shot! If all goes well, I’ll be doing alright financially in a few years. Wait for me?

Waitwithme.

As I climb in, Zoe says, “Thanks for driving me home,” her fingers brushing against my arm in a soft caress. “I appreciate it.” She withdraws her hand and stares forward, unaware of the goosebumps she inspired. “And thank you for your jacket,” she adds, tugging it closer around her shoulders.

“I’ll turn on the heat,” I mutter, thinking it already feels damn hot to me, but I know I’m alone in that.

Why didn’t I tell her earlier how I felt? Elena was right, I had my chance for ten whole months and didn’t take it.

Since I’ve been to her apartment several times to help her move plants she cultivated at home, over to her shop for sale, I don’t need to ask directions. We drive in silence, both ofus weighed down by the impending marriage for completely different reasons.

Each stoplight switches to green too fast, and suddenly my time with her is over. “We’re here, Boss.”

From her profile she watches me, concern etched into her face. “You look stressed out. Why don’t you come up for a bit?”

I clear my throat. “Are you sure?” Being alone with her is exactly what I want.

“Yeah, I’ll make some tea and you can drink your coffee. Oh! Do you have to study right away?” she laughs lightly. “I don’t want to keep you from it.”

I shake my head once, “I can stay with you for a bit,” heart pounding as I jump out of the Jeep, “Wait there!” and jog around to open her door. “I’ll help you with Ralphie.”

“Meow!”

“He’s thanking you,” she informs me without humor as I take the carrier from her lap and watch her unbuckle her seatbelt.

“You’re welcome, Ralphie,” I mumble, staring at her until I realize what I’m doing. Stepping back, I peer through the mesh of the carrier and focus on him to distract myself. “Hey buddy, you tired of being in wheels?”

“I’m sure he’s ready for dinner,” Zoe agrees and jumps down. I hand him over, shut the passenger door, and we walk to her sixteen-unit apartment building. It’s from another era, needs some paint, but is cute as hell. I live in one like it about nine blocks from here, but she’s never been to my place. Never had reason to be. “You forgot your coffee, Tom.”

I glance to my empty hands, break into a grin and run back. “Just a sec!” I swing open the door, grab the paper cup by its lid and shut the door, turning quickly to find Zoe waiting for me patiently, Ralphie’s carrier close against her chest, my jacket hugging her shoulders. I hold it up. “Got it!” and the bottom fallsout, leaving only the lid in my hand, coffee exploding down my polo shirt and khakis. I shut my eyes, lips tight. “Great.”

“Oh no!” Zoe cries out.

I start laughing, shaking my head. Zoe begins to laugh, too, a welcome and free sound that melts me into nothing but happiness. I open my eyes, hold my fist up to the sky and call out a sarcastic, “Thanks guys.”

Zoe looks up. “Who’re you talking to? God?”

“My angels. God is too busy to pull a prank like this.”

Grinning, she waves me to her. “Come on. I’ll clean you up.”

NINETEEN

Zoe

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